Sensory processing and organisational abilities in children with inattentive-hyperactive behaviours

Abstract

Background/Aims Sensory processing has been theorised to contribute to object and temporal organisation. Sensory processing and organisational abilities in children with inattention-hyperactivity was assessed, and investigated if there was a relationship between the two. Methods A community sample of children aged 9–12 years was categorised into inattentive-hyperactive (n=20) and non-inattentive-hyperactive groups (n=56) using the Vanderbilt Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Parent and Teacher Rating Scales. The Sensory Profile, Child Organisation Scale and Child Organisation Parent Perception Scale were used to collect additional data. Results Sensory processing and organisational abilities differed significantly between the groups. Object organisation correlated significantly with multisensory processing; temporal organisation failed to correlate with sensory processing. Conclusions Results suggest there is a need to screen children with informant-reported inattention-hyperactivity for sensory processing differences and organisational deficits. Sensory processing and object organisation may be associated; further research on potential factors underlying this association is needed.